Composer

:

William Mathias

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

3:23

'Sweet Was the Song' is a choral work composed by William Mathias, a Welsh composer, in 1976. The piece was premiered on December 16, 1976, by the BBC Singers, conducted by John Poole, at St. John's Smith Square in London. The work is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct character. The first movement, marked "Moderato," is a setting of a text by Robert Southwell. It begins with a gentle, flowing melody in the sopranos, which is then taken up by the other voices. The harmonies are rich and complex, with frequent use of suspensions and dissonances. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful cadence. The second movement, marked "Allegro," is a lively setting of a text by Richard Crashaw. The music is energetic and rhythmic, with frequent changes of meter and tempo. The harmonies are more dissonant than in the first movement, giving the music a more intense and dramatic character. The movement ends with a sudden, unexpected chord. The third movement, marked "Andante," is a setting of a text by George Herbert. It is the most introspective and contemplative of the three movements, with a slower tempo and more subdued harmonies. The melody is simple and lyrical, with a sense of longing and nostalgia. The movement ends with a quiet, peaceful cadence, bringing the work to a gentle close. Overall, 'Sweet Was the Song' is a beautiful and expressive choral work, showcasing Mathias's skillful use of harmony, melody, and rhythm. The three movements each have their own distinct character, but together they form a cohesive and satisfying whole. The work is a testament to Mathias's talent as a composer and his deep understanding of the choral medium.

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